The Battle For Third Base will be intense for LA Angels

The LA Angels are lest than three weeks away from starting Spring Training and there will be multiple battles for different positions.  Third base wil be one of the most interesting competition.

The LA Angels incumbent at third base is Zack Cozart. Despite only playing 58 games in 2018 due to a torn labrum in his shoulder, Cozart is still the favorite to win the spot for 2019, especially since he is under contract for two more seasons at close to 13 million per season.  Hopefully Cozart will improve on his .219 batting average with five home runs and 18 RBIs.

Cozart had never played third base before in the majors until last season with the Angels.  He was a shortstop throughout his career until last season when he played 35 games at third base and 16 games at second base.  Cozart could also play at second base this season depending on who wins each spot.

The third base competition is basically between Cozart and rookie Taylor Ward although David Fletcher and Tommy LaStella could also see time at third as well in 2019.  Ward played the last 40 games at third for the Angels in 2019 and hit .178 with six homers and 15 RBIs in 224 at-bats with 45 strikeouts and only nine walks.

Ward will have to increase his plate discipline in order to win a roster spot and also continue to show the power he did in 2018.  Ward may end up being a reserve if he can do these things, if not he will probably start 2019 in the minor leagues.

As for David Fletcher and Tommy LaStella both could assume a utility role, however Fletcher seems to be the incumbent at second base unless the Angels make another move this off-season such as signing Mike Moustakas or Josh Harrison.

Whatever happens it will be an intense competition this Spring and even though Cozart is the favorite Taylor Ward could unseat him if he plays well this S